Class 1 - Semester Introduction

Define Socratic discussion (see handouts) (also essay)

"Unanswered questions are not as dangerous as unquestioned answers."

Compare with Debate, dialectic (thesis, antithesis, synthesis -- we are all about synthesis)

Setting - ancient history, especially Greece and Rome

OK to discuss current events

I take requests -- What do you want to learn about Greece/Rome/Ancient History?

Dialog vs Debate

Handouts

Think Like... document (goals of education)

List of Ancient Classic Books

The Gods of Greece from "Famous Men of Greece" (photocopy)

Socratic Discussion handout

Blank map of Greece

Brief timeline

Assignments

Immediately:

send me an email -  briefly tell me what you have read or studied already concerning ancient history and greek philosophy and mythology - what things are you interested in?

Read like a Lawyer

3 books: Odyssey, Republic, choice from ancient classics

Document studies and other assigned reading to prepare for classes.

Write like an Author

Writing assignments (actual assignments may be given later)

• Pick a greek/roman god and write a report on it
• Pick a character from Iliad and summary his/her story (not Achilles)
• (something from the republic? dialogue?)

Speak like a Statesman

Oral report on book choice (need to hand out list, pick one soonish)

Think like a Philosopher

Lots of in-class discussion

Discussing current events is allowed and encouraged, especially if we can compare with the ancient history readings

Calculate like an Entreprenuer

Logic in discussions, placing value on ideas

(comparison essay - 2nd semester)

Remainder of time...

Plutarch - Theseus document study?

"Know Thyself" personality profiles?

Greek Gods?